Understanding Visa Requirements for Croatia: A Comprehensive Guide
As a newly-inducted member of the Schengen Zone since 1st January 2023, visa requirements for Croacia are now aligned with the rest of the EU member states. This means that citizens of the UK, EU countries, the US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand do not require visas to visit Croatia. As long as their stay does not exceed 90 days in any 180-day period. For other nationals, the visa requirements for Croacia may vary. So it is crucial to check the official website of the Croatian Ministry of Foreign Affairs or another Schengen Area country for the latest information.
In this comprehensive guide, we will take a closer look at the visa requirements for Croatia. Including the length of stay, validity of visas issued before 31st December 2022, and the effects of Brexit on British citizens.
General Visa Requirements for Croatia
As a member of the Schengen Zone, the visa requirements for Croatia follow the same guidelines as the rest of the EU member states. Citizens of the UK, EU countries, the US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand are welcome to stay in Croatia or the Schengen Zone for up to 90 days in any 180-day period, without the need for a visa. For other nationals, it is essential to check the official website of the Croatian Ministry of Foreign Affairs or another Schengen Area country for the latest visa information.
If you are a national of a non-EU country, you may apply for a Schengen visa from a Croatian Embassy/Consular Department in your own country. Or from the Embassy of another Schengen Area country. However, if you plan to travel around the Schengen Zone, it is advisable to apply for a Schengen visa from the country where you will spend the longest stay.
Length of Stay in Croatia ( without Visa Requirement)
It is worth noting that non-EU visitors can stay in Croatia or the Schengen Zone for up to 90 days in any 180-day period ( without Visa requirement). This means that the sum of all your stays in the Schengen Zone, including Croatia, should not exceed 90 days in a 180-day period. The European Commission provides a short-stay visa calculator to help you calculate the duration of your stay.
It is important to note that since Croatia is now part of the Schengen Zone, visitors can no longer use the country as a place to reset their Schengen day limit.
Validity of Croatian Visas issued before 31st December 2022
If you are in possession of a valid Croatian visa issued before 31st December 2022, you will still be able to use it to visit Croatia. However, this visa cannot be used to visit other countries in the Schengen Zone.
Entering Croatia with an ID card
EU citizens may enter Croatia using their national identity cards instead of a passport. If such cards exist in their country. For all other nationals, a passport is must have to enter Croatia.
Visa Requirements for Croatia after Brexit
Following the UK’s exit from the EU, British citizens no longer require a visa to visit Croatia. However, a new visa waiver scheme has been in place for British citizens visiting the Schengen Zone, which includes Croatia. This scheme allows British citizens to stay in the Schengen Zone for up to 90 days in any 180-day period, without the need for a visa.
Additonal information can be found with the Croatia Ministry of Foreign Affairs.